Retainer ring for securely retaining a first object to a second object

ABSTRACT

A resilient retainer ring comprises at least two pressing sections and at least one engaging section. Each pressing section presses against a bottom wall defining an annular groove in a receiving compartment of a screwdriver shank when the retainer ring is mounted in the annular groove of the screwdriver shank. The engaging section is exposed to at least one corner of the receiving compartment such that the engaging section has at least a portion engaged in a retaining groove of a bit when an end of the bit is received in the receiving compartment of the screwdriver shank.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a retainer ring for securely retaininga first object, e.g., a bit, to a second object, e.g., a shank of ascrewdriver.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIG. 6A of the drawings illustrates a conventional retainer ring 1engaged in an annular groove 3 defined in an inner periphery of areceiving compartment 2 of an object, e.g., a screwdriver shank. Aftermounting in the annular groove 3, the retainer ring 1 could move to aposition shown in FIG. 6B under the action of gravity. This is becausethere is no means for securely retaining the retainer ring 1 in theannular groove 3. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 7, it would beimpossible to mount a bit 4 into the receiving compartment 2, as theretainer ring 1 protrudes too much outward to be inserted into thereceiving compartment 2.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a retainer ring forsecurely retaining a first object, e.g., a bit, to a second object,e.g., a screwdriver shank.

In accordance with the present invention, a combination of a firstobject, a second object, and a retainer ring is provided. Thecombination comprises a first object including a retaining groove in anend thereof, a second object including a receiving compartment forremovably receiving the end of the first object, and a resilientretainer ring. The receiving compartment has a plurality of corners. Anannular groove is defined in an inner periphery defining the receivingcompartment. The resilient retainer ring is received in the annulargroove of the second object and includes at least two pressing sectionsand at least one engaging section. Each pressing section presses againsta bottom wall defining the annular groove of the second object. Theengaging section is exposed to at least one corner of the receivingcompartment such that the engaging section has at least a portionengaged in the retaining groove when the end of the first object isreceived in the receiving compartment.

Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description when takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a screwdriver, a bit, and aretainer ring in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a sectional view illustrating engagement of the retainer ringand a shank of the screwdriver.

FIG. 2B is a view similar to FIG. 2A, wherein the retainer ring isrotated 30° in a counterclockwise direction.

FIG. 2C is a view similar to FIG. 2A, wherein the retainer ring isrotated 60° in a counterclockwise direction.

FIG. 3A is a sectional view illustrating engagement of a modifiedembodiment of the retainer ring and a shank of the screwdriver.

FIG. 3B is a view similar to FIG. 3A, wherein the retainer ring isrotated 30° in a counterclockwise direction.

FIG. 3C is a view similar to FIG. 3A, wherein the retainer ring isrotated 60° in a counterclockwise direction.

FIG. 4A is a sectional view illustrating engagement of another modifiedembodiment of the retainer ring and a shank of the screwdriver.

FIG. 4B is a view similar to FIG. 4A, wherein the retainer ring isrotated 30° in a counterclockwise direction.

FIG. 4C is a view similar to FIG. 4A, wherein the retainer ring isrotated 60° in a counterclockwise direction.

FIG. 5A is a sectional view illustrating engagement of a furthermodified embodiment of the retainer ring and a shank of the screwdriver.

FIG. 5B is a view similar to FIG. 5A, wherein the retainer ring isrotated 30° in a counterclockwise direction.

FIG. 5C is a view similar to FIG. 5A, wherein the retainer ring isrotated 60° in a counterclockwise direction.

FIG. 6A is a sectional view illustrating engagement between aconventional retainer ring and a screwdriver shank.

FIG. 6B is a sectional view illustrating anomalous engagement betweenthe retainer ring and the screwdriver shank in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view illustrating difficulty ofattaching a bit to the screwdriver shank when the retainer ring isanomalously engaged with the screwdriver shank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention, aretainer ring 10 is provided to securely retain a first object, e.g., abit 30 to a second object, e.g., a shank 22 of a screwdriver 20. Thescrewdriver 20 includes a handle 21 attached to an end of the shank 22.A generally hexagonal receiving compartment 24 is defined in the otherend 23 of the shank. An annular groove 25 is defined in an innerperiphery defining the receiving compartment 24.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, the retainer ring 10 is a substantiallyC-shaped resilient ring having an opening 13 between the distal ends 11athereof. The retainer ring 10 includes at least two radially outwardpressing sections 11 that press against a bottom wall defining theannular groove 25 of the shank 25 and at least one radially inwardengaging section 12. Namely, the engaging section 12 is located in aposition radially inward of the pressing sections 11. In thisembodiment, the retainer ring 10 includes three pressing sections 11located on the distal ends 11a of the retainer ring 10 and a section 11bof the retainer ring 10 opposite to the openings 13 of the retainer ring10. It is noted that the opening 13 of the retainer ring 10 is smallerthan a half of a circumference of a circle on which the retainer ring 10locates. Further, the retainer ring 10 includes two engaging sections 12on both sides of the section 11b opposite to the opening 13 of theretainer ring 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, when the retainer ring 10 is mounted into theannular groove 25 of the shank 22 of the screwdriver 20, the retainerring 10 is securely retained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22,as the pressing sections 11 press against the bottom wall defining theannular groove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging sections 12 arerespectively exposed to the second corner and the fifth corner of thereceiving compartment 24 of the shank 22 (see the intersections P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the three pressing sections 11 of theretainer ring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, each engaging section 12 has aportion P engaged in a retaining groove 31 in a hexagonal end of the bit30. Thus, the bit 30 is securely engaged in the receiving compartment 24of the screwdriver 20.

Referring to FIG. 2B, when the retainer ring 10 is engaged in theannular groove 25 in another position, e.g., the retainer ring 10 isrotated 30° in a counterclockwise direction, the retainer ring 10 issecurely retained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22, as thepressing sections 11 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging sections 12 arerespectively exposed to the third corner and the fifth corner of thereceiving compartment 24 of the shank 22 (see the intersections P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move to wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the three pressing sections 11 of theretainer ring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, each engaging section 12 has aportion P engaged in the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, thebit 30 is securely engaged in the receiving compartment 24 of thescrewdriver 20.

Referring to FIG. 2C, when the retaining ring 10 is engaged in theannular groove 25 in another position, e.g., the retainer ring 10 isfurther rotated through 30° along the counterclockwise direction, theretainer ring 10 is securely retained in the annular groove 25 of theshank 22, as the pressing sections 11 press against the bottom walldefining the annular groove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engagingsections 12 are respectively exposed to the third corner and the sixthcorner of the receiving compartment 24 of the shank 22 (see theintersections P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the three pressing sections 11 of theretainer ring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, each engaging section 12 has aportion P engaged in the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, thebit 30 is securely engaged in the receiving compartment 24 of thescrewdriver 20.

FIG. 3A illustrates a modified embodiment of the retainer ring 10,wherein like numerals denote like elements. In this embodiment, theretainer ring 10 includes two radially outward pressing sections 11 anda radially inward engaging section 12 between the pressing sections 11.One of the pressing sections 11 has a length approximately half of theretainer ring 10, while the other pressing section 11 is much shorter.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, when the retainer ring 10 is mounted into theannular groove 25 of the shank 22 of the screwdriver 20, the retainerring 10 is securely retained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22,as the pressing sections 11 press against the bottom wall defining theannular groove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 isexposed to the fourth corner of the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22 (see the intersection P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the pressing sections 11 of the retainerring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annular groove 25 ofthe shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 has a portion P engagedin the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, the bit 30 is securelyengaged in the receiving compartment 24 of the screwdriver 20.

Referring to FIG. 3D 3B, when the retainer ring 10 is engaged in theannular groove 25 in another position, e.g., the retainer ring 10 isrotated 30° in a counterclockwise direction, the retainer ring 10 issecurely retained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22, as thepressing sections 11 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 is exposedto the fifth corner of the receiving compartment 24 of the shank 22 (seethe intersection P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the three pressing sections 11 of theretainer ring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 has aportion P engaged in the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, thebit 30 is securely engaged in the receiving compartment 24 of thescrewdriver 20.

Referring to FIG. 3C, when the retainer ring 10 is engaged in theannular groove 25 in another position, e.g., the retainer ring 10 isfurther rotated 30° in a counterclockwise direction, the retainer ring10 is securely retained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22, as thepressing sections 11 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 is exposedto the fifth corner of the receiving compartment 24 of the shank 22 (seethe intersection P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the three pressing sections 11 of theretainer ring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 has aportion P engaged in the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, thebit 30 is securely engaged in the receiving compartment 24 of thescrewdriver 20.

FIG. 4A illustrates another modified embodiment of the retainer ring 10,wherein like numerals denote like elements. In this embodiment, theretainer ring 10 includes a radially inward engaging section 12 oppositeto the opening 13 of the retainer ring 10 and two radially outwardpressing sections ii11on both sides of the engaging section 12. Eachradially outward pressing sections 11 includes an associated one of thedistal ends (not labeled) of the retainer ring 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, when the retainer ring 10 is mounted into theannular groove 25 of the shank 22 of the screwdriver 20, the retainerring 10 is securely retained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22,as the pressing sections 11 press against the bottom wall defining theannular grooves 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 isexposed to the third corner and the fourth corner of the receivingcompartment 24 of the shank 22 (see the intersections P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the pressing sections 11 of the retainerring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annular groove 25 ofthe shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 has two portions Pengaged in the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, the bit 30 issecurely engaged in the receiving compartment 24 of the screwdriver 20.

Referring to FIG. 4B when the retainer ring 10 is engaged in the annulargroove 25 in another position, e.g., the retainer ring 10 is rotated 30°in a counterclockwise direction, the retainer ring 10 is securelyretained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22, as the pressingsections 11 press against the bottom wall defining the annular groove 25of the shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 is exposed to thefourth corner of the receiving compartment 24 of the shank 22 (see theintersection P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the pressing section 11 of the retainerring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annular groove 25 ofthe shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 is engaged in theretaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, the bit 30 is securely engagedin the receiving compartment 24 of the screwdriver 20.

Referring to FIG. 4C, when the retainer ring 10 is engaged in theannular groove 25 in another position, e.g., the retainer ring 10 isfurther rotated 30° in a counterclockwise direction, the retainer ring10 is securely retained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22, as thepressing sections 11 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 is exposedto the fourth corner and the fifth corner of the receiving compartment24 of the shank 22 (see the intersection P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the pressing sections 11 of the retainerring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annular groove 25 ofthe shank 22. Further, the engaging section 12 has two portions Pengaged in the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, the bit 30 issecurely engaged in the receiving compartment 24 of the screwdriver 20.

FIG. 5A illustrates a further modified embodiment of the retainer ring10, wherein like numerals denotes like elements. In this embodiment, theretainer ring 10 includes four radially outward pressing sections 11 andthree radially inward engaging sections 12, wherein each engagingsection 12 is located between two pressing sections 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, when the retainer ring 10 is mounted into theannular groove 25 of the shank 22 of the screwdriver 20, the retainerring 10 is securely retained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22,as the pressing sections 11 press against the bottom wall defining theannular groove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging sections 12 areexposed to the second corner, the third corner, the fourth corner, andthe fifth corner of the receiving compartment 24 of the shank 22 (seethe intersections P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the pressing sections 11 of the retainerring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annular groove 25 ofthe shank 22. Further, the engaging sections 12 have portions P engagedin the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, the bit 30 is securelyengaged in the receiving compartment 24 of the screwdriver 20.

Referring to FIG. 5B, when the retainer ring 10 is engaged in theannular groove 25 in another position, e.g., the retainer ring 10 isrotated 30° in a counterclockwise direction, the retainer ring 10 issecurely retained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22, as thepressing sections 11 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the middle engaging section 12 isexposed to the fourth corner of the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22 (see the intersection P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the pressing sections 11 of the retainerring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annular groove 25 ofthe shank 22. Further, the middle engaging section 12 has a portion Pengaged in the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, the bit 30 issecurely engaged in the receiving compartment 24 of the screwdriver 20.

Referring to FIG. 5C, when the retainer ring 10 is engaged in theannular groove 25 in another position, e.g., the retainer ring 10 isfurther rotated 30° in a counterclockwise direction, the retainer ring10 is securely retained in the annular groove 25 of the shank 22, as thepressing sections 11 press against the bottom wall defining the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22. Further, the engaging sections 12 are exposedto the third corner, the fourth corner, the fifth corner, and the sixthcorner of the receiving compartment 24 of the shank 22 (see theintersections P).

Thus, when a bit 30 is inserted into the receiving compartment 24 of theshank 22, the retainer ring 10 would not move or wobble in the annulargroove 25 of the shank 22, as the pressing sections 11 of the retainerring 10 press against the bottom wall defining the annular groove 25 ofthe shank 22. Further, the engaging sections 12 have portions P engagedin the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30. Thus, the bit 30 is securelyengaged in the receiving compartment 24 of the screwdriver 20.

According to the above description, it is noted that the engagingsection(s) 12 of the retainer ring 10 includes at least one portion thatis securely engaged in the retaining groove 31 of the bit 30 regardlessof the angular position of the retainer ring 10 in the annular groove 25of the shank 22 of the screwdriver 20.

It is noted that the numbers and the shapes of the pressing sections 11and the engaging sections 12 may vary according to the need.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferredembodiment, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations can be made without departing form thescope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

1. A combination comprising: a first object including a retaining groovein an end thereof; a second object including a receiving compartment forremovably receiving said end of said first object, said receivingcompartment having a plurality of corners, an annular groove beingdefined in an inner periphery defining said receiving compartment; and aresilient retainer ring received in the annular groove, said retainerring including at least two pressing sections and at least one engagingsection, with said at least two pressing sections separated by said atleast one engaging section, wherein both of said at least two pressingsections simultaneously press against a bottom wall defining saidannular groove of said second object and are located outside of theretaining groove, with said at least two pressing sections holding saidat least one engaging section away from the bottom wall defining saidannular groove, wherein said at least one engaging section is exposed toat least one of said corners of said receiving compartment by being heldby said at least two pressing sections simultaneously pressing againstthe annular groove such that said at least one engaging section has atleast a portion engaged in said retaining groove when said end of saidfirst object is received in said receiving compartment.
 2. Thecombination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said retainer ring includestwo distal ends spaced by an opening, each of said distal ends of saidretainer forming an associated one of said at least two pressingsections.
 3. The combination as claimed in claim 2, wherein one of saidat least two pressing sections is opposite to said opening.
 4. Thecombination as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first object is a bitand said second object is a shank of a screwdriver.
 5. The combinationas claimed in claim 4, wherein said receiving compartment is hexagonaland said end of said first object is hexagonal.
 6. The combination asclaimed in claim 3, wherein said receiving compartment is hexagonal andsaid end of said first object is hexagonal.
 7. The combination asclaimed in claim 2, wherein said first object is a bit and said secondobject is a shank of a screwdriver.
 8. The combination as claimed inclaim 7, wherein said receiving compartment is hexagonal and said end ofsaid first object is hexagonal.
 9. The combination as claimed in claim2, wherein said receiving compartment is hexagonal and said end of saidfirst object is hexagonal.
 10. The combination as claimed in claim 1,wherein said retainer ring includes an opening and wherein one of saidat least one engaging section of said retainer ring is opposite to saidopening.
 11. The combination as claimed in claim 10, wherein said firstobject is a bit and said second object is a shank of a screwdriver. 12.The combination as claimed in claim 11, wherein said receivingcompartment is hexagonal and said end of said first object is hexagonal.13. The combination as claimed in claim 10, wherein said receivingcompartment is hexagonal and said end of said first object is hexagonal.14. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of said at leasttwo pressing sections is longer than another of said at least twopressing sections.
 15. The combination as claimed in claim 14, whereinsaid first object is a bit and said second object is a shank of ascrewdriver.
 16. The combination as claimed in claim 14, wherein saidreceiving compartment is hexagonal and said end of said first object ishexagonal.
 17. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidretainer ring includes a plurality of alternately disposed pressingsections and engaging sections.
 18. The combination as claimed in claim1, wherein said first object is a bit and said second object is a shankof a screwdriver.
 19. The combination as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid receiving compartment is hexagonal and said end of said firstobject is hexagonal.
 20. The combination as claimed in claim 19, whereinsaid first object is a bit and said second object is a shank of ascrewdriver.
 21. A combination comprising: an object including areceiving compartment adapted for removably receiving another object,said receiving compartment having a plurality of corners, an annulargroove being defined in an inner periphery defining said receivingcompartment; and a resilient retainer ring received in the annulargroove, said retainer ring including at least two pressing sections andat least one engaging section, with said at least two pressing sectionsseparated by said at least one engaging section, wherein both of said atleast two pressing sections simultaneously press against a bottom walldefining said annular groove of said object, with said at least twopressing sections holding said at least one engaging section away fromthe bottom wall defining said annular groove, wherein said at least oneengaging section is exposed to at least one of said corners of saidreceiving compartment by being held by said at least two pressingsections simultaneously pressing against the bottom wall defining saidannular groove such that said at least one engaging section has at leasta portion engaged with said another object when said another object isreceived in said receiving compartment.
 22. The combination as claimedin claim 21, wherein said retainer ring includes two distal ends spacedby an opening, each of said distal ends of said retainer forming anassociated one of said at least two pressing sections.
 23. Thecombination as claimed in claim 22, wherein one of said at least twopressing sections is opposite to said opening.
 24. The combination asclaimed in claim 21, wherein said retainer ring includes an opening andwherein one of said at least one engaging section of said retainer ringis opposite to said opening.
 25. The combination as claimed in claim 21,wherein one of said at least two pressing sections is longer thananother of said at least two pressing sections.
 26. The combination asclaimed in claim 21, wherein said retainer ring includes a plurality ofalternately disposed pressing sections and engaging sections.
 27. Thecombination as claimed in claim 21, wherein said another object is a bitand said object is a shank of a screwdriver.
 28. The combination asclaimed in claim 21, wherein said receiving compartment is hexagonal andsaid another object is hexagonal.